Summer is a favorite time of year for many. Warm days, long nights, beach weekends – life seems more relaxed and carefree. But you should be cautious not to let it get so carefree that you’re getting into your vehicle and driving home after having a few drinks. Even if you think you can handle it, a police officer won’t be so lenient in his evaluation of your condition. Driving Under the Influence is a serious offense and has lasting ramifications if you don’t secure proper representation from a skilled Mount Holly DUI lawyer.
Nobody should ever drink and drive, but if you happen to find yourself in a situation where you’re being cited with a DUI, immediately get in touch with a Mount Holly DUI lawyer so they can be by your side from the beginning.
The ABCs of DUIs
New Jersey takes DUI offenses seriously because the offender is putting his or her own life and the lives of other citizens at risk for serious injury and even death. If you’ve been caught driving after consuming alcohol, there are some things you need to know about DUIs and the legal process that you should familiarize yourself with:
- Terminology: There are lots of terms that will be thrown around, starting when you are pulled over and continuing all the way through your court appearances. Learn some of them now to make the process a bit smoother.
- BAC stands for Blood Alcohol Content, and it’s the measurement of a person’s level of intoxication. In New Jersey, like almost every other state, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08% or above. If a police officer pulls you over and suspects that you’re driving under the influence, he may ask you to perform some Standard Field Sobriety Tests. These tests measure your gross motor skills, ability to concentrate, and ability to multi task, usually by walking in a straight line, standing on one leg, reciting the alphabet backwards, or following a pen light with your eyes.
- You Can Fight Back: Don’t assume that you’re automatically guilty just because you’ve been charged with a DUI. Police officers have to follow protocols and must respect your rights. If they did not follow proper procedure, you can argue that the tests are not reliable, or maybe that the initial stop was not lawful.
- Legal Help Is Necessary: Some defendants make the mistake of believing they can represent themselves in court. Do not make this mistake! You should always obtain professional legal representation. There are too many potential consequences that could occur if you do not have a Mount Holly DUI lawyer. Also, a skilled DUI lawyer in Mount Holly will know which defense strategies to use for your case. The many roles of your lawyer will only serve to benefit you.
Need A Mount Holly DUI Lawyer?
Mark Catanzaro has successfully defended numerous DUI cases. If you’ve been charged with a DUI in New Jersey, immediately contact the Mount Holly DUI lawyer who is known for results. We offer free, confidential consultations.